RIVERDALE ART WALK Works hang at galleries and retail spaces along Queen East and Carlaw. July 7 and 8, 11 am to 6 pm. www.artistsnetworkofriverdale.org/raw. Rating: NNNNN
How did the project begin?
It was originally a non-profit event designed to get work into retail spaces so stores would benefit from the traffic. But now it’s more oriented toward the artists themselves.
What makes this art crawl different from others?
There are no crafts. We were careful to listen to the message of the artists themselves, and they felt that crafts bring down a show. Including them changes the price points and expectations.
How can we find out what to see at the Riverdale Art Walk and where?
We have a beautiful catalogue (inserted in this issue of NOW), and we leave bundles of them at hotels and other sites.
What kind of art do you do?
I do work on a Buddhist theme relating to anticipation and disappointment. It features fruits at the peak of ripeness against backgrounds that look decomposed, representing the way so much stuff outside ourselves is out of our control.
Favourite artist?
Joanne Todd. You feel as if you’re standing inside one of her paintings. It’s like the work is happening all around you, and it’s overwhelming – in a good way.
Best movie about an artist?
Painters Painting. It features interviews with artists of the 50s and 60s – Jack Bush and Jasper Johns, for instance. They’re right there sitting beside their easels talking about their work.
T.O. spot that inspires you?
When I need to meditate, I’ll go to the beach and way out onto a rock so I forget about the boardwalk behind me. It’s a crushing disappointment to turn around and see the city.
